Kyle Busch Blasts NASCAR’s “Broken” Driver Approval Process
Las Vegas, NV – Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch didn’t mince words when discussing NASCAR’s driver approval process, labeling it as “broken” and calling for significant changes. His blunt assessment came during a media session ahead of the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, fueled by recent controversy surrounding driver approvals, specifically the incident involving Katherine Legge at Phoenix Raceway.
The Legge/Suarez Incident Sparks Debate
The controversy stems from the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway where IndyCar driver Katherine Legge, making her NASCAR debut with no prior stock car experience, spun and collided with Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez. Legge, a lap down, ran a high line, leading to contact with Josh Berry (P5), hindering Suarez who was P6. The incident effectively ended Suarez’s chances of a good result and ignited a wave of criticism regarding NASCAR’s driver approval process.
Busch’s Long-Standing Concerns
When questioned about his thoughts on the approval process in light of the Suarez/Legge situation, Busch didn’t hold back. He stated, “I feel like I’ve questioned the approval process for a long, long time. Being an owner in the Truck Series and seeing some young drivers get opportunities at different tracks versus my drivers that I was trying to get them opportunities at some of those same tracks getting denied. So I was very confused and probably I’m even more confused now on how it all works.”
A Call for Change and Experienced Input
Busch emphasized the need for a complete overhaul. “I think it’s broken. I think there’s a lot of work that could be done to make it better. I also do feel as though it shouldn’t be suit and ties making the decisions always. Certainly there can be some that need to be involved, but I do feel like there needs to be fire suits involved in some of those decision-making processes on those that need to be approved or not approved for various activities,” Busch explained. His remarks suggest that current drivers and experienced racing personnel should have a greater role in evaluating and approving drivers for competition.
NASCAR’s Recent Changes
NASCAR introduced the Open Exemption Provision rule earlier this year, allowing experienced drivers from other top-tier racing categories, like Helio Castroneves who participated in the Daytona 500, to race in the series. However, these rules have already undergone revisions based on driver feedback, indicating a willingness to address concerns.
Busch Optimistic About RCR Improvements
Despite his criticism of the approval process, Busch expressed optimism about his team’s progress. He noted the improvements made by Richard Childress Racing since the 2024 season, where he finished a disappointing 20th in the Cup Series and failed to win a race for the first time in his full-time NASCAR career.
“I would say that the step that we made from last year to this year was a really good step. With another major step like that, we can be a contender for racing for the win,” Busch stated. He’s had consecutive Top 10 finishes in the last three Cup Series races and is hoping to replicate his 2009 victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Busch’s pointed critique adds fuel to the ongoing debate about driver qualifications and safety standards within NASCAR, highlighting the need for a more transparent and effective approval process.
